Garlic, Red Toch

Softneck artichoke variety that is ready for early harvest.

Red Toch is an early harvesting very rich flavored and mildly pungent Artichoke softneck garlic. Straw-colored clove covers and parchment-like bulb wrappers occasionally have thin stripes and a little color to them. Early harvesting garlic that stores into mid-winter. Harvest fall planted garlic the following season, late spring or early summer, about 240 days from planting. Harvest spring planted garlic the same season, about 90 days from planting. Averages 7 cloves per bulb. Softneck variety.

How to Grow

Garlic is a relatively fuss-free crop and just needs about 1" of water every week-other week. Provide plants with extra water during especially dry periods.

How to Sow Garlic

Plant garlic cloves in well-drained soil rich in organic matter and full sun. Plant cloves with the pointed side up and set them 1" deep and 4 " apart in rows 1-2" apart. In the South, plant cloves in the fall for a spring harvest. In the North, plant cloves in early spring for a summer harvest and again in fall for a spring harvest. Spring planted garlic emerges in 14-21 days. Fall planted garlic may not emerge until spring. If it does emerge in the fall, and a heavy frost is expected, mulch tender greens for protection.

Harvesting

Harvest garlic when foliage dies back. Dig the bulbs out with a pitchfork and cure them in a warm, dry place for a week. Then store the bulbs in a cool, dry place.